Doctor spots a rare fragrant tree in Gurgaon park. Indian Forest Officer links it to matchsticks from old days. Here's why

A casual stroll through the Gurgaon biodiversity park turned into a delightful discovery for Dr Ambrish Mithal, a Delhi-based doctor, when he stumbled upon a strikingly beautiful tree emitting a subtle, aromatic scent. Curious about its identity, he cross-checked online and suspected it might be the Indian Frankincense, a native of Northern India and Punjab, prized for its resin used in perfumes and incense.

The tree, confirmed by Indian Forest Service officer Ramesh Pandey, is locally known as Salai. Beyond its fragrant resin, the Salai tree carries a fascinating historical significance. Its wood was traditionally the main source for matchsticks, giving rise to the term “Diya-salai.” This connection between nature and everyday life highlights how ancient practices remain etched into modern culture, making the discovery more than just a botanical curiosity.

Dr Mithal’s findings underscore the hidden gems that city parks often harbour, reminding visitors that urban green spaces are not just for recreation—they are living museums of biodiversity. With its dual significance as both a fragrant tree and a relic of industrial history, the Salai stands as a bridge between natural beauty and cultural memory.

About the Biodiversity Park

The Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurgaon, sprawling across 392 acres near the Guru Dronacharya metro station, is more than just a patch of greenery in the city. Opened to the public on World Environment Day in 2010, it was designed to showcase the unique semiarid-land vegetation of the region. Visitors can explore winding trails, a native plant nursery, and interactive displays that introduce them to the park’s ecological significance.

In 2022, the park earned a unique distinction when it was declared India’s first OECM site by the IUCN—a recognition for areas that aren’t officially protected but still play a vital role in preserving biodiversity. This acknowledgement highlights the park’s contribution as a living sanctuary, supporting species that are increasingly rare in urban environments.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to marvel at. Reptiles such as the Bengal monitor weave through the undergrowth, while mammals like the northern palm squirrel, nilgai, golden jackal, Indian hare, common palm civet, and Indian grey mongoose make their homes within the park. The diversity of fauna combined with the meticulously restored flora turns a simple walk through the Aravalli Biodiversity Park into an immersive experience, blending nature, history, and conservation.